Michigan's Arbor Brewing Company’s Beers Named Best in the United States by BeerInfo.com

The craft beer news service Beer Info has placed three brands brewed by Ypsilanti-based Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery at the top of their category in its annual list of the “Top 10 Ales and Lagers in the USA”. The top 10 lists are compiled based on the results of the U.S. Open Beer Championship, Great American Beer Festival, and RateBeer.com.

The three beers named best in the US are Arbor Brewing Company’s Jackhammer in the Old Ale category, Bliss in the German Hefeweizen category, and Sodibo in the Barrel Aged Beer category.

ABC founder and brewmaster Matt Greff called the announcement “an amazing honor”. “With the sheer number of craft beers in the market it would be incredible to be recognized for making the best beer in the US in one style category, but taking top honors in three of the 62 styles is kind of mind-blowing”. The complete list of Top 10 Ales and Lagers can be found at www.beerinfo.com.

“The timing of the announcement couldn’t be better” according to ABC co-owner and marketing director Rene Greff “because the Jackhammer Old Ale just got a packaging makeover and is scheduled for release in mid-October.” The Bliss beer is nearing the end of its season but is still available in some stores. Sodibo will be back in stores in the spring.

Arbor Brewing Company was among the first 5 brewpubs to open in Michigan after final passage of the state’s brewpub law in 1993. In 2006 ABC founders Matt and Rene Greff opened the Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery (aka Corner Brewery) in Ypsilanti to brew and package ABC brands for distribution throughout Michigan. This month they also expanded distribution into northwest Ohio and Connecticut. For more information, visit www.arborbrewing.com.

Jolly Pumpkin to Open Midtown Detroit Location

Jolly Pumpkin has announced it will be opening a location in Midtown Detroit in early 2015. The 5000-square-foot space at 441 Canfield will serve all the craft beers, distilled spirits and wines available through the Northern United Brewing Company brand – including North Peak Beer, Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, Civilized Spirits and Bonafide Wines, as well as an eclectic pub fare menu.

“We are very excited to be opening Jolly Pumpkin Detroit and becoming part of this incredible neighborhood. Many have helped us develop this project and we are grateful for their support,” says Tony Grant, partner with Ron Jeffries at Northern United Brewing Company. “Sue Mosey at Midtown has been instrumental, as have Invest Detroit and Comerica Bank.”

“Midtown Detroit, Inc. is thrilled to welcome Jolly Pumpkin into the neighborhood,” says Executive Director Sue Mosey. “Their investment and strong brand will draw in more people to Midtown’s burgeoning retail and restaurant district. Their future location, in the historic Willys Complex, compliments other strong businesses such as Shinola, Willys Detroit, RUNdetroit and the Fellow Barber, creating a walkable block of quality commercial storefronts.”

"We are so excited to come to Midtown Detroit,” says Jeffries. “We look forward to being part of this vibrant beer neighborhood.’”

As with all its locations, Jolly Pumpkin will be working with local suppliers in developing its menu, specifically partnering with Avalon Bakery, McClures Pickles and Calder Dairy. Jolly Pumpkin Detroit menu will offer eclectic pub fare, featuring Jolly Pumpkin pizza, truffle fries along with the full tap house and tasting room beverages of all the Northern United Brewing brands.

Jolly Pumpkin is part of Northern United Brewing Co., which also encompasses the Grizzly Peak and North Peak Beer Co. craft beer brands, as well as Civilized Spirits and Bonafide Wines. NUBC’s philosophy focuses on a dedication to conservation, inspiration and locally-sustainable practices.

Find NUBCo products at stores, restaurants, and bars all throughout Michigan, including: North Peak Brewing Company, Mission Table and Jolly Pumpkin Brewery, all in Traverse City; Jolly Pumpkin and Grizzly Peak, in Ann Arbor.

Keweenaw Excursions Celebrates 5th Anniversary in Charlevoix with October 4 Cruise

In September, 2009, brothers and captains Kraig and Jason Funkey left their hometown along the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to make a new home for themselves and their Keweenaw Star in Charlevoix. That next summer, they launched their first trip out of their new port and today, Keweenaw Excursions is proud to celebrate its 5th Anniversary in this Lake Michigan community.

A celebratory cruise is planned for Saturday, October 4 from 5-9pm. The evening will include complimentary appetizers, cash bar and music. Tickets for the anniversary cruise are just $5 per person and space is limited. Tickets are available by calling 231-237-9365.

The Keweenaw Star was originally a crew boat designed to ship crew and supplies to oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. She was commissioned in 1981 and was originally named the Atlantic Star. The boat was then converted to a cruise ship and the Funkey's (Jason, Kraig and their father, Fred) purchased her in May of 2000 in South Carolina. Renamed the Keweenaw Star, the Funkeys ran a tour company in the Houghton-Hancock area on the Keweenaw Peninsula for nearly 10 years.

Fred is trained as a diesel mechanic with a degree from Ferris State University. He began his captain’s career in his hometown area of Houghton/Hancock in the Keweenaw Peninsula. His first gig was owner/ operator of the Lighthouse Boat Cruise – the Star of Keweenaw – in Copper Harbor in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His work took him throughout the Great Lakes region, including running the Voyager II out to Isle Royale and the Island Princess for the Apostle Island Tours. Over his nearly 50 year career he’s also captained oil rig boats in the Gulf of Mexico

Kraig and Jason both began working alongside their dad aboard the Star of Keweenaw and Isle Royale Queen as young boys and teenagers. Both brothers also earned their original captain’s licenses in Duluth, MN. Kraig also honed his skills aboard the Voyager II, captained a charter fishing boat in Copper Harbor and worked in the Gulf of Mexico and has a 100-ton master captain’s license. Jason later went to the Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Traverse City to obtain an unlimited tonnage mates license with a first class pilot’s endorsement.

Upcoming Events:

• September 24 (6-8pm) Historic Sunset Cruise
• September 27-29 3-Day Fall Color Cruise
• October 4 (5-9pm) 5th Anniversary Cruise
• October 11 (3-5pm) Historic Fall Color Cruise

2015 Excursions:

• June 22-25 Explore the Door (Door County Wisconsin)
• July 13-16 Lights of the Sunrise Side
• July 20-23 Soo Grand Tour
• August 3-4 3 Days, 3 Great Lakes

With a capacity of 130 passengers, the Keweenaw Star offers a range of cruises from mid-May through mid-October, including sunset tours, sightseeing trips and multi-day lighthouse and ship-watching cruises. The boat is also available for private charters, for events such as corporate outings, weddings, rehearsal dinners and reunions.

KEWEENAW EXCURSIONS
109 Bridge Park Drive
Charlevoix, MI 49720

231-237-9365
KeweenawExcursions@gmail.com
www.KeweenawExcursions.com
www.facebook.com/KeweenawExcursions
www.twitter.com/KeweenawStar

Rochester Mills Beer Co’s Annual Autumn Festival Returns September 25-27

It’s time again to grab your lederhosen and head for the Mills. Following the time-honored Alps tradition that started 200 years ago in Munich, Germany, the Rochester Mills Beer Company invites you to partake in its annual Oktoberfest festivities, September 25-27 – and you needn’t be German or travel halfway around the world to do so. This family-friendly celebration features German-style cuisine and plenty of beer under a huge outdoor tent. Come join thousands of your closest friends, family and neighbors who annually turnout to enjoy the live music, dancing and children’s activities taking place behind the brewery during the three-day celebration.

The weekend kicks off Thursday, Sept. 25 with a Ceremonial tapping of Rochester Mills Oktoberfest Seasonal Celebration Lager in the Restaurant at 7pm, followed by live music performed by Big Ray Motor City Kings at 8pm.

Friday and Saturday join the thousands of visitors who annually attend to enjoy the live Oompah and polka music, Bavarian dancing and children’s activities taking place behind the brewery’s Downtown Rochester location. The Oktoberfest celebration also includes games, moonwalks, pony rides, petting zoo, clowns, as well as balloon and tattoo artists for the kids. Those young at heart can participate in the ever-popular harvest challenges including sauerkraut-eating, brat-eating or stein hoisting competitions. The festival tent is open from 5pm-Midnight on Friday and 1pm-Midnight on Saturday. Admission is only $5 for adults and is good for both days; children 16 and under get in free (with a paid adult). All of the proceeds from the event benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan, Friends of Jacob Foundation and the North Oakland County Waves swim club who volunteer during the event.

Head Brewer Forrest Knapp has prepared fresh batches of Rochester Mills Water Street Wheat (German-style Hefe-Weizen), Lazy Daze Lite (Michigan-style light beer) and this year’s Oktoberfest Lager (German-style lager).

Enjoy live performances nightly under the tent from Enzian. The Vagabonds perform Saturday afternoon and the Carpathia dancers will perform Friday and Saturday Night.

The brewpub will operate under regular hours and offer a full menu and selection of beers on tap during the event. Free entertainment inside the brewery features live performances by Cosmic Groove on Friday and Remedy on Saturday, both starting at 9pm.

For more information, call 248-650-5080 or log onto www.rochestermillsbeerco.com.
 
DATES
September 25th, 26th, & 27th 2014

HOURS:
Thursday (September 25)
7-11pm w/ Ceremonial Tapping (7pm) of the first keg inside the pub

Friday (September 26)
Festival 4-11pm, (Brat & Kraut eating 8:30 Stein Hoist @ 9:30)
Live Band Performance 9pm-2am inside brewery

Saturday (September 27)
Festival Noon-11pm, (Brat & Kraut eating 8:30 Stein Hoist @ 9:30)
Live Band Performance 9pm-2am inside brewery

LOCATION:
Rochester Mills Beer Co. - 400 Water Street Rochester, Michigan 48307

ADMISSION:
$5 adults at the tent; children 16 and under get in free (with a paid adult).
Must be 21 years old or older and have a valid ID to obtain a hand stamp to purchase alcohol.


ABOUT ROCHESTER MILLS BEER CO.:
The Rochester Mills Beer Co. opened in 1998 in Downtown Rochester and has been brewing handcrafted lagers and ales ever since. Located in the historic Western Knitting Mill, the brewery is located on Water Street, just two blocks east of Main Street. The menu features a broad selection of eclectic American cuisine, all prepared with the freshest and often local Michigan ingredients. From delectable appetizers, fresh salads, pizzas and pastas to delicious entrees and unique sandwiches, the menu has something for everyone, including the kids. Special amenities include an outdoor patio, pool tables, and live entertainment every Friday, and Saturday nights. The Lazy Daze Lounge is available for private parties. The restaurant has expanded its ability to cater off premises events and parties bringing the Mills to you.

Rochester Mills’ brands, Cornerstone IPA, Rochester Red Ale, Milkshake Stout and Lazy Daze Amber Lager are available on draft to other Michigan bars and restaurants. and packaged product in 16 oz. (Full Pint) cans. Rochester Mills Beer Co. is a proud member of the Michigan Brewers Guild (www.MiBeer.com).

ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION:
Since 1984, Make-A-Wish® Michigan has granted more than 7,500 wishes to Michigan children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. According to a 2011 U.S. study of wish impact conducted by Make-A-Wish® America, most health professionals surveyed believe a wish-come-true can have positive impacts on the health of children. Kids say wishes give them renewed strength to fight their illnesses, and their parents say these experiences help strengthen the entire family. Based in Brighton, Mich., with offices in Detroit and Grand Rapids, Make-A-Wish Michigan is funded through community support. Nearly 80 percent of each dollar spent directly benefits the Michigan wish-granting program. Visit www.michigan.wish.org to learn more.

FRIENDS OF JACOB FOUNDATION:
The Friends of Jacob Foundation, a Michigan based charity enriching the lives of families affected by Autism Spectrum disorders by providing: grants for financial assistance to help with therapeutic interventions, medical bills, socialization activities and support networks. Since our inception, The Friends of Jacob Foundation has granted over $60,000 to help families all over Michigan with financial assistance for medical bills, therapy, equipment and respite care. Your support through donations allows us to continue to provide these grants and services to these special children and special families. www.friendsofjacob.org

ABOUT NORTH OAKLAND WAVES (NOW) SWIM TEAM:
A family-friendly swim team based out of the North Oakland Family YMCA in Auburn Hills offering competitive swimming for all age groups. Instruction, technique, yardage, a positive work ethic, team building, and loads of fun is the NOW experience. NOW is a dual affiliated team, swimming both YMCA and USA meets. NOW offers a year round swim program. For more information visit www.teamunify.com.

Petoskey Chamber Brings Back Best-Selling Author Tony Rubleski (Friday, October 10)

Author and professional speaker Tony Rubleski is returning to Petoskey to speak to business leaders at an event hosted by the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce. Rubleski’s seminar will be held on Fri. Oct. 10 at the Odawa Hotel on U.S. 131 in Petoskey. Doors for the program will open at 8:30 a.m. and the program will begin at 9:00.

The session is part of the chamber’s Business Innovation Series and is sponsored by Fifth Third Bank. It will be titled “Leadership Lessons to Help You Capture More Minds and Customers” and will be presented in conjunction with the release of Rubleski’s fourth book Mind Capture: Leadership Lessons from Ten Trailblazers Who Beat the Odds and Influenced Millions. The cost to attend the seminar is just $49/person. Organizers with the chamber of commerce urge early registration as there is potential to sell out this
program.

Lisa Hoyt, Membership Director with the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce says the chamber has hosted Rubleski on four occasions over the past ten years, but not since 2009. “We’re fortunate to bring Tony back to the region,” Hoyt said. “His programs have always been well received by our members and are full of good, practical ideas,” she added.

Hoyt said the seminar will be ideal for business owners, CEO’s, marketing directors, or anyone involved in sales on a daily basis. “If your business has a need to increase sales, then you should plan to be at this event,” Hoyt said.

Rubleski is from the Grand Haven area but speaks throughout the country and has given hundreds of presentations over the past decade. He is president of the Mind Capture Group and his second book in the Mind Capture series went to #1 in three different business categories with Amazon.com. His fourth book will be released at about the time of his appearance in Petoskey. Rubleski and his books have been featured in a wide range of media outlets including CNN Radio, National Public Radio, the FOX TV Network, and many newspapers and magazine.

"It's only fitting that we debut the new book in northern Michigan, Rubleski said. Petoskey has been amazing to me and I love northern Michigan. It will be a lot of fun," he added.

To register for this seminar, visit www.petoskey.com or call 231-347-4150. The seminar is open to the public.

Gilmore Car Museum Continues to Grow with Grand Opening of The Cadillac-LaSalle Club Museum on Sunday, September 28

The Gilmore Car Museum will once again make history as it celebrates the Grand Opening of the new Cadillac-LaSalle Club Museum and Research Center on Sunday, September 28, 2014.

Located on the grounds of the Gilmore Car Museum, this 10,000 square-foot building is dedicated to maintaining and exhibiting collectible Cadillacs and LaSalles, with the focus of the new museum and research center being to protect, promote and share the exciting history of these premier automobiles as well as their impact in the United States and worldwide over the past 100-plus years.

Throughout history, Cadillac has set the standard for automotive excellence since 1902, when Henry Leland persuaded the owners of a failing Detroit car company to reorganize and build cars using his precision-designed and manufactured engine.

In the beginning, Henry Leland had worked as a precision machinist for Colt firearms in Connecticut before moving to Detroit and starting his own machine shop. His precision and demand for accuracy led Cadillac to become one of the most prestigious American autos and is referred to as “The Standard of the World.”

LaSalle was introduced in 1927 to fill the price gap between Buick and Cadillac, and was produced through 1940. The marque is credited with moving General Motors’ styling away from engineering and creating its own department: the “Art and Colour Design Studio” headed by Harley Earl.

The Cadillac & LaSalle Club was established in 1958 to encourage the preservation of early Cadillacs and LaSalles. Then in 1995, determined to preserve the Cadillac legacy, several members of the Cadillac & LaSalle Club founded the Cadillac-LaSalle Club Museum and Research Center (CLCMRC) and the process of site selection, building designs, and fundraising began.

“After an exhaustive survey of potential museum partners across the Country, we are pleased to be joining the Gilmore Car Museum,” said Paul Ayres, President of the CLCMRC. “The Gilmore is rapidly becoming the nation’s premier auto museum,” he said.

The all-new 10,000 square foot museum structure is modeled after a 1948 dealership design from the pages of General Motors book “Planning Automobile Dealer Properties” of that year.

The grand opening of the Cadillac-LaSalle Museum will contain the excitement and anticipation reminiscent of how the new model year cars were unveiled each September at local dealerships. Prior to the opening, the showroom windows will be completely covered with a banner announcing “See the New Standard of the World – Cadillac for 1948.”

On Sunday September 28th, starting at 2:00pm as part of the Museum’s Dedication Ceremony, the covering will be removed to unveil the new Museum and welcome the public inside for the first time.

Michael Spezia, Executive Director of the Gilmore Car Museum, expressed, “With the addition of the Cadillac-LaSalle Museum to the Gilmore campus we now become one of the more unique historic destinations, not just within the car collecting hobby but with the general public as well.”

Within the new Museum, guests will find nearly two-dozen automobiles within, including a very rare 1903 example from of Cadillac’s first year of production; a 1937 LaSalle Convertible Sedan, 1957 Cadillac Brougham used in the film "Driving Miss Daisy,” as well as a 1992 Indy 500 Pace car and the 2003 Cadillac Sixteen show car.

Prominent in the showroom on opening day and paying homage to the vintage dealership’s facade will be two 1948 Cadillacs – a 60 Special Sedan and a 75 Series Limousine.

Besides the fantastic automobiles displayed within the new museum structure visitors will also find an array of artifacts, memorabilia and educational exhibits that tell the entire story of Cadillac and LaSalle. There will be tributes to Cadillac’s founder Henry Leland, to the firm’s production history, its support of the Arsenal of Democracy during World War II and its history of providing Presidential limousines.

Hundreds of Cadillac & LaSalle automobiles, owners, enthusiasts and Club members are expected to attend the event, which is open to the public. Special guests will include Dave Leone, Cadillac Brand Lead Executive Chief Engineer, Margaret Dunning, who at 104 is a renowned philanthropist and auto enthusiast, as well as many other Cadillac design and engineering retirees. Cadillac & LaSalle owners who are members of the national Cadillac-LaSalle Club can also take part in the weekend-long Cadillac Fall Festival.

The Gilmore Car Museum, located in Hickory Corners, near Kalamazoo in Michigan, is renowned for its collection of over 375 extraordinary vehicles, as well as its 90-acre park-like campus made up of historic buildings. A small town train depot, 1930s gas station, 1941 diner, and a re-created auto dealerships including 1918 Franklin, 1928 Ford Model A, 1930s Lincoln are just a few of the buildings currently on the ever-expanding grounds. The Gilmore Car Museum also serves as home to the Classic Car Club of America Museum, the Pierce-Arrow Museum, the H.H. Franklin Club Museum, the Model A Ford Foundation Museum and Lincoln Motorcar Foundation Museum, which also opened on the Gilmore campus earlier this year.

To learn more about the Gilmore Car Museum and the Cadillac & LaSalle Club please visit GilmoreCarMuseum.org and CadillacLasalleClub.org.

Frankfort Beer Week Launches in Benzie County

The new Frankfort Beer Week will be held in Frankfort Michigan from October 6-11, celebrating all that is great about Michigan Craft Beer and the excellent “foodie” scene evolving in the quaint harbor town on Lake Michigan.

Over a dozen establishments are participating in the inaugural event, bringing a variety of signature menu items made specifically for the week, combined with beer dinners, tastings, baked goods and other specialties incorporating Michigan Craft Beer as an ingredient.

On Monday, October 6, Stormcloud Brewing Company will kick off the week by tapping their annual Harvest Tripel — a Belgian-Style Tripel made with freshly-picked Glacier hops from Empire Hops Farm. They’ll cap off the week on Saturday, October 11 with a hybrid Belgian/German Oktoberfest batch, brewed specifically for the occasion.

On Tuesday, October 7, New Holland Brewing Company will hold a beer dinner at Coho Café. Then, on Thursday, October 9, the historic Garden Theater will screen “The Michigan Beer Film” — a feature-length documentary centered on the exploding craft beer industry in Michigan,

In addition to area restaurants turning up their creative culinary skills, the renowned Paul Starr from "I’m a Beer Hound" will be in Frankfort to provide three nights of educational beer tastings paired with Michigan-made Mindo Chocolate, Hilltop Ice Cream made in Benzonia and locally-smoked bacon.

A homebrew competition featuring fall-inspired beer is also slated for the week, with the winner of the contest invited to bring their skills to Stormcloud to brew their beer to be put on tap in the pub for all to enjoy.

The Frankfort Bookstore is also getting in the game, featuring beer books and oddities.

Those looking to spend the night in Frankfort can take advantage of the Frankfort Beer Week package at Harbor Lights Resort, where guests will receive a welcome amenity upon arrival geared just for the occasion which includes a growler fill at Stormcloud.

Frankfort Beer Week bridges two weekends of Fall Festival Activities in Benzie County. It's the perfect time to be in Frankfort.

Information for the weeklong event including all the participating organizations can be found at www.frankfortbeerweek.com and on Facebook.

M22 / Sleeping Bear Dunes Foodie Tour Featured on Award-Winning Michigan.org

You’re invited to “Savor the Flavors” along the M22 and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, as part of a new 3-county “Foodie Tour” featured on Michigan.org – the award-winning website of Travel Michigan and its Pure Michigan brand. The self-guided route was crafted by Promote Michigan, with assistance from the Visitor Bureaus in Manistee, Benzie and Leelanau counties.

These three counties have been actively promoting the M22 corridor for several years, as a prime four-season touring route. This new foodie trail features 11 of the area’s top agricultural and culinary destinations, based on guidelines established by the Michigan Culinary Tourism Alliance, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Travel Michigan. The properties on the M22-Sleeping Bear Dunes Foodie Tour include:

• Blue Fish Kitchen & Bar, Manistee
• Douglas Valley Organic Vineyards, Manistee
• Pierport Farms, Onekama
• Elberta Farmers Market, Elberta
• Coho, Frankfort
• Stormcloud Brewing, Frankfort
• Hill Top Soda Shoppe, Benzonia
• Nonna’s Ristorante at The Homestead Resort, Glen Arbor
• Carlson’s Fishery, Leland
• Martha’s Leelanau Table, Suttons Bay
• Leelanau Cheese, Suttons Bay

Known for rolling through lush countrysides and along freshwater shorelines, the M22-Sleeping Bear Dunes area also boasts more than 30 restaurants and charter boat operators that participate in the award-winning “Catch & Cook” program – where a day of fishing turns into a gourmet meal featuring your own fresh catch.

Countless other agricultural and culinary destinations can be found throughout the region, including farm markets, wineries, cideries, meaderies, distilleries, farm-to-table eateries and lodging properties offering unique packages and activities.

To learn more about the M22 area, visit M22ColorTour.com. The site also includes links to the individual county pages.

Keweenaw Excursions Offers Fall History Cruises

Join David Miles of the Charlevoix Historical Society for a pair of narrated historical cruises aboard the Keweenaw Star on Wednesday, September 24 (6-8pm) and Saturday, October 11 (3-5pm). The 2-hour trips cost $25 per person, with a portion from every ticket being donated to the CHS. To purchase tickets, call 1-231-237-9365.

The September 24 Sunset Cruise covers the west and south shores of Round Lake, heading out into Lake Charlevoix, and then turning south toward the Ferry Beach area, turning north to Oyster Bay, Pine Point, Raspberry Bay and the train depot area, before heading back toward Round Lake. From there, the Star travels along the northern shore of Round Lake before heading out into Lake Michigan with hopes of catching a sunset, then along the shore toward the cement plant and finally back into the harbor just as darkness is falling.

The October 11 Fall Color Cruise also travels through Round Lake and then into Lake Charlevoix toward Ferry Beach. From there, the trip continues into the South Arm of the lake all the way past the Sequanota Resort, Ironton and the Ironton Ferry, and down to Holy Island. The boat then turns around and heads up to Oyster Bay and Pine Point before returning to Round Lake.

Both tours offer lively narration and commentary along the way, providing interesting tidbits of local history about this harbor town – which welcomed its first permanent settlers in 1854.

According to Miles, the channels that connected the inland lakes to Lake Michigan were cut in 1869 and by 1897, Charlevoix was seeing more maritime tonnage pass through its waters than any other port on the east side of Lake Michigan, outside of Chicago. By the early 20th century, the Charlevoix area was also the premier resort destination in this region.

“At one time, the town had an importance far outside its size regarding its economic importance to both this area and the whole state,” Miles says. “It has a history, that, as I term it, simply doesn't quit. Its history is so vast that a few minutes cannot even begin to encompass it.”

Established in 1879, the Charlevoix Historical Society was a dynamic part of the community for many years, but sadly faded after World War II. It was resurrected in 1972 and in 1978 the society was given the Harsha House—an 1891 Queen Anne residence downtown that now houses its offices and museum. Today, the CHS is once again an organization interactive with segments of the community.

Miles has been an active member of the Charlevoix Historical Society since 1997 and in 2002 he was named co-director of the Harsha House museum. He’s produced seven books and two full-length DVDs on various aspects of Charlevoix’s history, has given many illustrated lectures and presentations both local and in neighboring towns, and has helped to mount large exhibits about the area’s history.

Operating since 2000, Keweenaw Excursions is owned and operated by brothers Jason and Kraig Funkey. The company originated in Houghton, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and moved to Charlevoix in 2009 – this year celebrating its 5th season. With a capacity of 130 passengers, the Keweenaw Star offers a range of cruises from mid-May through mid-October, including sunset tours, sightseeing trips and multi-day lighthouse and ship-watching cruises. The boat is also available for private charters, for events such as corporate outings, weddings, rehearsal dinners and reunions.

Hudsonville Ice Cream Welcomes Changing of the Seasons with Limited Edition Fall Flavors

In celebration of the changing of the seasons, Michigan-based Hudsonville Ice Cream announces four new Limited Edition seasonal flavors that are full of harvest colors and flavors.

• Pure Michigan Caramel Apple — Ever since it was introduced as the 2012 winner of the “Pure Michigan” online flavor contest, this mouthwatering flavor has been a fall favorite. With its combination of fresh Michigan apples folded into a special caramel-infused ice cream, it tastes just like caramel apples on a stick!

• Toasted Coconut — A cozy classic in the making, this is a blend of rich, creamy coconut flavored ice cream, with chocolate covered toasted coconut pieces, perfect for warming your heart on a cool Midwest evening.

• Chicago Caramel Popcorn — Offering a sweet-n-salty flavor, made with caramel popcorn ice cream, a salty ribbon of caramel and crunchy clusters, this is sure to be a favorite treat for watching football or a good movie.

• Pumpkin Pie — Michigan ranks #2 in the country for the number of pumpkins harvested each year, and this rich and creamy flavor pays tribute its place in the state’s overall agricultural industry. Served alone or as the a la mode to your favorite pie, this flavor returns to the freezer case just in time for holiday celebrations. With its traditional pumpkin pie flavors and now with actual pieces of pie crust, it makes a wonderful compliment to your holiday dessert table. Look for this flavor in early October.

“It is that time of the year when we look forward to the next season and all of the fun fall brings,” says Caryn Beatty of Hudsonville Ice Cream. “The seasons are one of the many reasons we love making ice cream along the shores of Lake Michigan. These fall flavors will be the perfect way to top off all of your family's fall memories.”

These, and countless other Hudsonville Ice Cream flavors can be found in grocery stores and ice cream parlors in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois. In addition to its “All Season” flavors, which are available year round, several “Seasonal Flavors” are offered on a limited basis throughout the year.

Started in 1895 as a farmers’ cooperative, the Holland-based Hudsonville Creamery & Ice Cream is the largest manufacturer of branded ice cream in Michigan. For more than 80 years, this Midwest company has been producing its creamy, delicious ice cream – using many of its original flavors, while at the same time creating refreshing new recipes inspired by the Great Lakes.

Bridge Street Tap Room Brings Michigan-Centric Beer & Food Menu to Downtown Charlevoix

The Lake Michigan port town of Charlevoix welcomes the Bridge Street Tap Room, a Michigan-centric craft beverage haven overlooking beautiful Round Lake, Bridge Park and the town’s famed drawbridge.

Opened in mid-June, Bridge Street Tap Room is owned by Rich Bergmann, Adam Engelman, Aaron Hagen and Phil Parr – collectively known as The Round Lake Group LLC.

“The Bridge Street Tap room takes tremendous pride in the State of Michigan and strives to be as Michigan-centric as possible,” says partner and Director of Marketing Adam Engelman. “We’re very excited to share our passion for local with our community and its year-round visitors.”

The roughly 1000 square-foot pub features 32 taps filled exclusively with Michigan products – typically, 27 craft beers, two hard ciders, two selections from Northwoods Soda and Syrup and a sparkling white wine made by M. Lawrence Winery.

The Tap Room offers an exclusively Michigan wine portfolio featuring some of the best wines from the state, while a limited liquor selection features several of the state’s craft distilleries. They also offer a specialty cocktail menu that feature recipes utilizing Michigan spirits, craft beers and local fruits or products.

The pub menu also draws local inspiration, using many regional growers and providers, including a Michigan meat and cheese platter, house-made salmon pate, local whitefish sausage, Oleson’s cherry brats, Ebel’s brisket, Charlie’s Chips and much more.

The attention to local goes beyond just the food and beverage menu at the Bridge Street Tap Room. The chairs and barstools were manufactured by the Grand Rapids Chair Company, while the bar and tables were handcrafted and built by master woodworkers in Olivet, using local hardwoods. The walls are adorned with pictures sourced from the Charlevoix Historical Society. Even the logo wear and glassware, available for purchase, were designed and printed locally.

Bridge Street Tap Room located at 202 Bridge Street in downtown Charlevoix, on the back side of the block overlooking Round Lake. It is open 7 days a week, from 11am to 11pm. Let the Bridge Street Tap Room deliver an exceptional all-Michigan experience.